Every storm chaser should understand and abide by the simple safety tips we and others offer. Following them could save your life and often others should a situation arise. Always remember to have a phone handy and don't forget the basics that you were taught in school like not standing under trees in a thunderstorm!

Driving. If you're the driver then you must always abide by the speed limits. 30 miles per hour in built up areas, 60 in national speed limit zones and 70 miles per hour on motorways and dual carriageways. If you are carrying passengers you must also make sure they are wearing their seatbelts, and never put them at risk by making any stupid manouvers. Stay safe on the road!

You should not drive on any private property. If you have a navigator with you get them to find the most suitable and convinient and safe routes. If you are alone, stick to major and minor roads. Driving through fields and on private property could land you in serious trouble with the owners, (unless you have permission of course)!

Listen to your passengers. If they aren't comfortable with the way you are driving or want to stop and get out, or eat or drink etc, you should abide by them. As the driver you are in charge of their safety and well-being. If they get scared you may consider taking them away from the storm to help calm them down. There will always be storms in the future!

Finally, and most important, watch the road - not the thunderstorm! Like using a mobile phone, if you want to observe the storm, pull over at a convinient place and watch it. You need to concentrate whilst driving. Take someone else with you if you want them to operate any equipment such as cameras or take notes whilst you are driving. Otherwise, pull over.

Observing. The safest place to watch a storm is inside your car. It's metallic shell will protect you from any form of lightning strike. Again, remember the basics. If you're the tallest thing for miles around then you are the most likely target for a lightning strike. If you find yourself stuck in a field and the storm is dangerously close or out of control, lie down! If at anytime you feel unsafe, notify any other chasers with you or keep a phone on you so you can call someone to be picked up.

The chances of being struck by lightning are very slim, and it is without a doubt that some people will want to get out of their vehicles to watch the storm. Only do so if you're sure the storm is a safe distance away from you - but remember, lightning can strike many miles either side of the epicentre of the storm.

With these basic safety and common sense tips in mind, you're ready to go chasing! Stay safe and you'll have fun! We know you will! Don't forget to tell us about it!